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Nemopanthus mucronate

Name: Nemopanthus mucronate
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR3
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Mountain Holly

Latin name Ilex mucronata

Quantity per packet Minimum 15 seeds

Mountain Holly enhances biodiversity by attracting pollinators in spring and feeding birds with its autumn berries. It is also an excellent choice for greening difficult wet sites.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameMountain Holly

Latin nameIlex mucronata

FamilyAquifoliaceae

TypeShrub

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 15 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0058

Product
description

Mountain Holly (Ilex mucronata) is a native shrub especially valued for its exceptional adaptation to wet habitats and its ornamental interest throughout the year. Its delicate green foliage adds natural texture to plantings, while its glossy red fruits, produced on female plants when a male pollinator is nearby, create a striking display in late summer and autumn. This hardy native shrub fits beautifully into rain gardens, riparian buffers, and naturalization projects where it actively supports local biodiversity.

Naturally found in bogs, swamps, and riparian areas, Mountain Holly thrives in organic-rich soils that remain cool to moist throughout the season. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and develops an elegant habit that can reach up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. Once established, this shrub requires little care beyond consistent soil moisture and a light spring application of compost. Its excellent hardiness allows it to withstand Canadian winters while remaining vigorous year after year.

Beyond its landscape value, Mountain Holly plays an important ecological role by providing food and shelter for wildlife. Its small spring flowers attract pollinating insects, while its red fruits offer a valuable food source for birds in autumn. Planted with native shrubs such as Red Osier Dogwood, Steeplebush, and Summersweet, Ilex mucronata helps create biodiversity-rich plantings perfectly adapted to wet sites. With its natural elegance, easy care, and ecological benefits, it is an excellent choice for sustainable gardens inspired by Canada’s native landscapes.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in)

Spacing / density

1.5 to 2 m (5 to 6.5 ft)

Germination temperature18 to 20 °C (64 to 68 °F)

Germination time30 to 60 days

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after cold stratification or by semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Both methods reliably produce new native shrubs.

Growing
method

Sow Mountain Holly seeds in autumn or spring after a period of cold stratification to break natural dormancy. Plant the seeds 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in) deep in a rich growing medium kept consistently cool and moist. Temperatures between 18 and 20°C (64 to 68°F) generally produce germination within 30 to 60 days. Young plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and organically rich soil. Native to wetlands and riparian habitats, this shrub develops into a hardy, low-maintenance plant once established.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Rich, well-drained, cool to wet soil. This species thrives in organic-rich soils and is especially well suited to wetlands and riparian habitats.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. This species prefers cool to moist soil and tolerates temporarily waterlogged conditions.

Fertilization

Apply mature compost each spring to encourage vigorous growth and reliable fruit production. Rich organic soils generally eliminate the need for additional fertilizer.

Care levelModerate

In spring, remove dead or damaged branches to maintain a healthy structure. During summer, keep the soil cool with organic mulch and water during prolonged dry periods. Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain an attractive shape. In autumn, leave the berries on the branches to feed birds. Once established, this shrub requires very little maintenance.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

40 to 60 L (10 to 16 gal)

Container growing is suitable during the shrub's early years in a large container of at least 40 to 60 L (10 to 16 gal). Use an organic-rich growing medium that retains moisture while providing excellent drainage. Because Mountain Holly naturally prefers cool to moist soil, monitor watering carefully during hot weather. Growing in containers makes it possible to enjoy this native shrub on patios or in urban gardens while supporting local biodiversity.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its exceptional adaptation to wet soils and its brilliant red berries make Mountain Holly an outstanding shrub for ecological landscapes. It also supports wildlife by providing food and shelter throughout the seasons.

Mountain Holly enhances biodiversity by attracting pollinators in spring and feeding birds with its autumn berries. It is also an excellent choice for greening difficult wet sites.

Garden use

Mountain Holly is ideal for riparian buffers, rain gardens, and naturalistic wetland landscapes. Its graceful form and bright red berries provide outstanding ornamental interest from late summer through autumn. It combines beautifully with other native wetland shrubs while helping stabilize moist soils. This species also offers valuable shelter and food for birds and beneficial wildlife.

Bloom period

Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear in spring and attract a variety of pollinating insects. Though subtle, they are essential for producing the shrub's ornamental berries.

Flower colorGreenish white

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

The bright red berries ripen from September to October and often remain attractive for several weeks, providing outstanding ornamental value.

Fruiting

Bright red berries ripen in late summer and often persist well into autumn, providing an important food source for many bird species.

Wildlife appealBeneficial wildlife

Size
and facts

Height2 to 3 m (6.5 to 10 ft)

Spread1.5 to 2.5 m (5 to 8 in.)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Red Osier Dogwood, Steeplebush, Northern Blue Flag Iris, Summersweet

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rockrose, Yucca

Recipe
and inspiration

Mountain Holly is not grown for culinary use. Its greatest value lies in its ecological importance and ornamental beauty, highlighted by its elegant foliage and brilliant red berries that often persist into autumn. The berries provide an important food source for many native birds, making this shrub especially valuable in wildlife gardens, naturalization projects, and ecological landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Mountain Holly seeds? +

Mountain Holly seeds can be sown in autumn or in spring after a period of cold stratification. This treatment improves germination by mimicking natural winter conditions.

Does Mountain Holly produce ornamental berries? +

Yes. Female plants produce striking red berries in autumn when a nearby male plant provides pollination. These fruits are highly ornamental and attract many bird species.

Can Mountain Holly be used in a rain garden? +

Absolutely. Mountain Holly is exceptionally well suited to rain gardens and wet areas because it thrives in cool to moist soils and tolerates temporary waterlogging.

Why should I choose this native shrub? +

Mountain Holly is perfectly adapted to Canadian climates and provides valuable habitat and food for native wildlife while thriving in challenging wet sites.

Is Mountain Holly easy to maintain? +

Yes. Once established, Mountain Holly requires very little maintenance. Organic mulch and occasional watering during prolonged drought are generally all that is needed to keep it healthy.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.